The Drums

by Mike Joyce

A Times , Resident and Rough Trade Book of the Year

“A warm and engaging memoir” Guardian

“A beautifully told odyssey” Daily Express

“A brilliant book” Mark Ellen, Word in Your Ear

The long overdue reflection of life in The Smiths from their legendary drummer.

As a band, the Smiths need no introduction. Formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1987, all four of their studio albums reached the top five in the UK charts. They are widely lauded as one of the most influential groups of all time.

Mike is the last member of the band to release their autobiography and this is his no-holds-barred story of what it was like to play the drums in the Smiths. Throughout his honest and witty reflections, Mike answers the question he and bassist Andy Rourke used to often ask each ‘Where did it all go right?’

A lot of the Smiths’ past is already canonised. Rather than retelling those well-documented iconic moments, in The Drums, Mike conveys ‘the feeling’ of his time in the band. His off-piste, frank and witty perspective allows him to re-contextualise fan favourite moments through a beautifully vulnerable, human insight into his life.

The written history of the Smiths is not missing an encyclopedic account of everything that happened over the years; but Mike’s honest, entertaining and deeply human memoir is what Smiths fans have been waiting for. This book truly conveys what it felt like to be a member of the Smiths.

In The Drums, Mike Joyce finally gives us the perspective of the self-confessed biggest Smiths fan in the world who from the start was just some lad from the suburbs of Fallowfield who played the drums.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Adam Parrilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I listened to “The Drums” on Spotify as it is only available in the U.S. as an e-book. Listening to Joyce adds wonderful heft to this story that’s heavily told between the years of 1983-1988.
It was interesting to hear the opinion of being in The Smiths from the man sat at the drum kit. Great insight and no catty b.s. in this one. HIGHLY recommended for any big time Smiths fan.

Most shocking fact: Madonna opened for The Smiths on New Year’s Eve 1983!

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

An undeniably positive take on an incredible rock and roll experience. Well written and structured. Easy to read and like for fans and newbies.

[Chloe Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much! Highly recommend to any The Smiths fans.

I fear I will be reentering my The Smiths era

[J.P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strongly interesting quick read from Mike. It’s always great to hear stories about The Smiths from its members and Mike’s book is really engaging and enjoyable. The short length works to the book’s favour as everything presented is really interesting and it’s written about it in such a fun way. Essential reading for fans.

[Joe Stunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Morrissey and Marr considered one of the greatest song-writing duos in UK music history, and Andy Rourke recognised as one of the most innovative bass players of the last fifty years, Mike Joyce has often been considered the "Ringo" of the Smiths personnel - and not just because he plays the drums. Joyce was a perfunctory punk musician who became very capable and competent, and is perhaps best known as the man who successfully sued Morrissey and Marr for £1 million. Oh, and he also played on every Smiths record from the debut single to the final album.

It's therefore wise that "the drums" ends his memoir, The Drums, with the break-up of The Smiths, rather than soldiering on with tales of "what happened next" that might possibly have interested very few. There's a reasonably lengthy build-up to Mike joining the group - childhood reminisces and teenage years involved with two other bands - but once we arrive at the *real* destination, the memories become a fascinating traipse down Memory Lane for those of us who followed The Smiths from start to finish, and who've never quite gotten over the band's seemingly premature demise.

The whole book is, one assumes, ghost-written, with a casual, flighty tone, almost like a fan's recollections. This is precisely what Mike Joyce says he is: his band's BIGGEST fan. There isn't a great deal here that's monumental or revelatory, but it's a ton of fun to get the take of a man who was actually in that incredible and incredibly prolific band.

I found Johnny Marr's autobiography a disappointment, and only read it for the sections relating to The Smiths (his solo projects and other bands have never interested me), none of which said much at all. However, Joyce's book held my attention. In fact, I liked it a lot, and am even somewhat surprised by that. If you loved and love The Smiths, it should go without saying that you should of course invest in a copy.

[Bernard Laugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smiths are one of my all time favorite bands. I’ve read the two main biographies of the band, as well as both morrissey and Johnny’s books. To say I was excited for Mike’s story would be an understatement. If only, we could’ve heard Andy’s story too (rip). Mike’s book is more a collection of vignettes, rather than the full story. Apparently it was a decision he made to focus on the joy of the smiths rather than the salacious bits. His tone is casual and almost matter of fact, though he does convey his awe in how lucky he was to be a smith. I enjoyed his take on things, as he always seemed the “everyman” of the smiths. If I had a complaint, it would’ve been I wanted more. As a massive smiths fan, I would’ve loved several hundred more pages of his anecdotes and stories. In the end, while not a full and detailed version of Mike’s story with the smiths, it was an absolute joy to read. What a special band they were… and I think that’s one of the things mike conveys so well… his sense of wonder, luck, and joy at being the drummer of the smiths is palpable on every page.

[Yuri Cunha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got this, after having read Moz’s and Marr’s autobiographies and a bunch of Smiths biographies, I thought it was going to be a rehash of what I already knew, a cash grab. And though it’s true that I knew most of what was told here, Joyce tells it as you’d hope an insider would. Also, he is so kind towards his bandmates, including Morrissey, who clearly did not share this courtesy in his Autobiography. This was a joy to listen as an audiobook. Joyce says he is a person who focuses on the positive side of things, and it shows. This is a comfy memoir I would highly recommend to Smiths fans.

[Richard Hakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have never described myself as a Smith fan but I did appreciate them. When the Morrissy book came out I did read it and again before I read this one. The best comments about Morrissy includes separating the art from the artist. Something about their story tells you they were doomed to break apart from the beginning. The whole issue about Mike and Andy's share of Royalties was miss handled. There are far to many opinions and too few facts to really have a opinion but it always strikes me that in an unbalanced relationship there will always be a rebalanced. Mike's story is readable but a little bit sanitised, I feel it was padded out a bit as it would be a chapter or two not a book.

[Anthony Faccenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an overwhelmingly positive take on one of my favorite bands. I listened to the audiobook, and I could listen to Joyce talk all day. It felt like a good friend telling a story. So personal and intimate. Joyce genuinely sounds enthusiastic about sharing his journey, and I loved how he repeatedly highlights his friendship with Andy Rourke. Joyce and Rourke were an integral part of the band’s success, and that really comes through here. He set out to write a positive book that doesn’t slight anyone, and he fully achieved that. A must-read for any fan of The Smiths.

[Colm Mccrory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of Mike's life up to the end of The Smiths. I like that it ends there as there is no room for negativity in this story and you can read all about the court case elsewhere. Similar to Marr's book, Mike comes across as very likeable and unpretentious. Throughout he can't believe what he's got into and is thrilled to be in a band with three others with unbelievable talents. He always seems to want to ring his parents to share what has just happened. Loved it.

[Ben Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge Smiths fan who was too young to see them live and feels very conflicted by what happened post 1987, this is a wonderful insider look at how it all came together. No bitterness or recrimination (and Joyce is more than entitled to both) but more than anything a wonderful tribute to Andy Rourke who he's right to say only got the respect he deserves after his death. I could've read double of what was here, Joyce writes so well. Recommended whether you like the band or not.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this — lowkey, warm, this charming man lays out what it was like to be there, in that world, a huge shift from the humble upbringing, and the alchemy of four musical souls working together. It tells the story of just a few short years in the middle of the 1980s and the legacy it left, and how changed the world forever for the people that made the music, and in a different way for so many that are still discovering it.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke certainly weren't "replaceable lawnmower parts" and contributed to The Smiths sound. Thankfully he glosses over the litigation (easily done when you win) and instead gives a positive fans-eye view of his time in the band. 3.5 stars for his measured narration of The Drums audiobook.

[Bustagroovy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. A must-read for any Smiths fan. And I most definitely recommend the audiobook read by Mike Joyce, available on Spotify.

I'm not too sure about the description saying this is the last of the band to release an autobiography. I can find almost nothing about Andy Rourke's alleged book "Within and Without The Smiths". Not even a cover pic. If anyone has any info please clue me in!

[Andy Mclauchlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Smiths mean the world to me and I’ve read pretty much all of the other books about the band, including Morrissey and Marr’s biographies.

While there isn’t a great deal of new information in Joyce’s book, it’s written with passion and heart. His love for Andy Rourke is obvious and touching.

This is a must read for Smiths devotees and would be enjoyable for even the most casual of fans.

[Matt Grimley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable listen on the audiobook narrated by Mike. Loved hearing so many positive stories from someone who lived life in the best band ever. Mike's passion for this time and the band's legacy is lovely.

[Alex Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to see the great man himself give a talk about it in March. Of the autobiographies I've read from former Smiths members this is my favourite, it has such a nice informal tone throughout and it's also fittingly dedicated to the legendary Andy Rourke

[Nigeyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Smiths and Mike’s take on their story from behind the drum kit is refreshingly rancour free and upbeat. He regularly reminds us that the band were more than their songwriters and he now has me convinced too. Well worth a read if you were a fan.

[George Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to hear such a positive reflection of the Smiths journey, especially with what is often portrayed in the media and the famous court case. Some really kind words about his fellow band mates, in particular about Andy. What a Legend, RIP

[Volker Sydow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read. Reporting from the machine room of the must influentual British indi band of the 80ies. Plus a great coming of age story

[Katrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enthusiastic recount of his years as a drummer.

[Jonathan Percival · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. It was nice that he didn't just use the opportunity to get a dig in at Morrissey and really gave Rourke the recognition he deserves.

[Christian Hardman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read and great to see his love for the music.

[natalie mcgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Andy achieved that. He was part of something bigger than the four of us. But the sound we made, with his indelible, individual contribution, would not have been the same without him.”

Being a huge fan of The Smiths, this was surprisingly the first Smiths memoir I’ve ever read. It’s such a refreshing, positive look at the band, focusing more on the genuine joy and luck of the experience rather than the usual drama.

It was also nice to hear about their particular experiences playing in different venues around the world. I particularly enjoyed when he spoke of the time they played The Electric Ballroom in 1983. According to Mike, Morrissey liked to have a few glasses of red wine before going on stage in the early days. Mike wrote: “Not drunk, not falling over or anything, just a little bit more than tipsy.” This led to an exceptionally long live version of ‘Barbarism Begins at Home’, with Morrissey stretching out the vocals. I find myself listening to that live version on YouTube quite regularly now after reading that, it’s fantastic !! The story about their early failed festival appearance in Cannock was amusing and the Queen Margaret Union in Glasgow mention was nice too !!

I haven't read Morrissey’s Autobiography yet as I’ve heard some mixed reviews about the second half getting bogged down in the court cases and legalities. I’m glad I started with Mike’s perspective instead; it’s a quick, comfy read that really captures the magic of the music. Highly recommend it to any fan who wants the "insider" stories without the bitterness !! Also, the Andy Rourke epilogue was absolutely beautiful. Plus, my copy is signed, so it’s extra special to have on my shelf !! <3

[Andrew Tattersall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the Smiths and loved reading this book about them. What came across was how much the author enjoyed being part of the band and what a great time they had playing the drums for them. It was interesting to get inside the quotidian life of a band member.